How the Colts can better utilize Marlon Mack

Mack came on strong at the end of the year in 2018 and is primed for a big year this year. But there are ways the team can better utilize their star running back.

Marlon Mack is the unquestioned number one running back on the Colts’ roster. He had a great finish to last season, and should have another great year in 2019. But with recent injuries on the offense, there are some better ways to utilize his talents for the benefit of the entire team.

Mack has gotten a lot of work in with Jacoby Brissett. Brissett has looked better as time has gone on with the first team offense. Mack has always been a pretty good receiver out of the backfield. If Brissett has to play regular season games, the Colts need to take advantage of that.

This is especially true if rookie receiver Parris Campbell isn’t ready for week 1 either. He is still fighting a hamstring injury that has lingered since early training camp. Losing him would mean one less weapon for Brissett to throw to.

Using Mack as a receiver more would create all kinds of matchup issues for defenses. Most defenses would only commit a linebacker to him, and he’s faster than most of those. He would get a lot of wide open looks, and all Brissett would need to do is find him.

Calling more runs from the shotgun formation would also help Mack. The defense would likely be more spread out, so Mack could hit the holes harder and get into space quicker. He is deadly in the open field. He might be the most dangerous Colt with the ball in his hands.

With how bad the offensive line has looked so far in preseason, using Mack as a receive more might be the best way to get him touches. Once the line gets figured out, he’ll explode more as the special runner we’ve seen him be.